With the departure of Luka DoncicThehe Dallas Maverix“Leadership firmly fell into the hands of Kiri IrvingS The 32-year-old guard now holds the title of the best star of the team, striving to inspire his teammates through his actions both on and outside the floor. However, he openly recognized a moment of tension with Max Christie For a special reason.
“Max beat me today … I was angry, I was angry,” Irring acknowledged by referring to ChristyEarly arrival at the center of American Airlines before their game against New Orleans Pelicans Friday night. “I was happy to see him but at the same time … I gave him a side eye:” You did this on purpose to motivate me ““He continued, according to journalist Joe Mistrot.
“I thought,“ He explained Kiri before adding that outside the playful poster, Christie’s approach was something that should be respected. “It’s just a testimony to be a real professional and have fun in your craft.”
The two players’ commitment to the team was apparently later that evening as Mavericks Win New Orleans Pelicani 111-103. Irving was the star of the show, contributing 35 points while Christie added 16 points. PJ Washington He also played a key role by scoring 24 points in victory.

Max Christie #00 by Dallas Maverix reacted after making three points a basket against Houston missiles on February 8, 2025.
Jason Kid joins the fun
After the match Dallas Maverix’s chief coach Jason Kid He also turned to the fun situation. “Yes, Kiri must have stuck in the movement,” He jokes. “He shared this with me when he started working today that Christie was beating him. I said, “Look, you must have been driving a slow car or you were on the move.”

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Going to a more serious tone, the KID acknowledged the importance of the type of initiation manifested by Irving and Christie. “This is a great example of what time to come to work. Christy put the sign so I can only imagine that Cyri will spend the night next time to make sure he beat him.“
The coach also shared his thoughts about Max Christie’s early contributions to Mavericks after his trade from Los Angeles LakersS “Christie, we all learn who he is. It just shows, coming out of the break, coming to work early, trying to get a rhythm and he defeated Kiri, “” said Kid. “Kiri is usually here with two, two and thirty before someone else, so it’s great to see someone else join the party to come early to work.”
Mavericks Secret to Success
The commitment demonstrated by Kiri Irving and Max Christie is a key factor in explaining how Dallas Maverix managed to remain competitive, despite the significant challenges this season. After trading Luka Doncic to Los Angeles Lakers and encountered the injuries of key players like Daniel Guffard, Derek Lively IIand, most of all, Anthony Davis– Who played only one game with MAVS – the team’s stability was crucial to their success.
In such a challenging context, the working ethics and motivation, displayed by the other members of the Mavericks list, have retained the hopes of the playoff team alive in the racing western conference.